The team behind Madras' Airshow of the Cascades is paying close attention to a major aviation incident that unfolded at an Idaho air show last week — one that has rippled through the air show community nationwide and raised questions about the safety of high-performance military jet demonstrations.
What Happened in Idaho
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets collided midair during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on May 17, 2026. Both aircraft were destroyed in the collision. All crew members — pilots and electronic warfare officers from the Navy's Growler Demonstration Team — safely ejected. The Gunfighter Skies show was the first held at that location in eight years.
The cause of the collision remains under official investigation by the Navy. Early analysis of videos from the event suggested the leading Growler may have entered the blind spot directly below the nose of the trailing aircraft just before impact, though no official cause has been determined.
Local Impact: Eyes on Madras
The Airshow of the Cascades, held annually at Madras Municipal Airport, has featured high-performance military jet demonstrations in past years and is a major draw for the region. Organizers told Central Oregon Daily that they are monitoring the Navy's investigation and emphasized that safety planning and FAA oversight are central to every performance at the Madras event.
No changes to the Airshow of the Cascades' planned lineup have been announced, though air show organizers across the country are waiting to see whether the Navy pauses or modifies Growler demonstration activities during the investigation period.
Background
The EA-18G Growler is the Navy's premier electronic attack aircraft, derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Growler Demonstration Team' s high-energy flight profile makes it one of the most visually dramatic acts on the air show circuit — and one of the most technically demanding to execute safely.
The Airshow of the Cascades is one of the signature summer events in Jefferson County, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Madras and generating significant economic activity for the local hospitality and business community. Specific dates for the 2026 show have not yet been confirmed through official channels.